1. The Iridescent Prism Keepall
If one object captured the explosive energy of Abloh’s debut Spring/Summer 2019 show, it was the Prism Keepall. This wasn't just a bag; it was a statement. Made from a translucent PVC material that shimmered with an oil-slick rainbow effect, it transformed
a classic travel piece into a futuristic object of desire. The bag embodied his concept of “accessomorphosis,” where accessories become as important as the garments themselves. It also came with a chunky, matte-white chain, a signature Abloh touch that injected a dose of industrial hardware into high luxury. Finding one in pristine condition is a challenge, as the material can scuff, but its status as the kickoff piece from his first collection makes it a holy grail for collectors.
2. The LV Trainer Sneaker
Virgil Abloh didn't just design clothes; he created entire cultural ecosystems. The LV Trainer is a perfect example. Debuting in that same landmark SS19 collection, it was his answer to the luxury sneaker phenomenon. Inspired by vintage basketball sneakers, it was meticulously crafted in Italy, taking six hours to stitch a single pair. It was the perfect fusion of his worlds: the reverence of high-fashion craftsmanship applied to a silhouette born on the streets and the basketball court. While countless colorways and versions have been released, the early models, especially the launch colorways, represent the foundation of his footwear legacy at the house. They are endlessly wearable, instantly recognizable, and a pillar of the Abloh-era LV wardrobe.
3. The 'Wizard of Oz' Varsity Jacket
Abloh was a master storyteller, and his Fall/Winter 2019 collection, themed around The Wizard of Oz, was a heartfelt exploration of seeing the world through naive, childlike eyes. The standout ready-to-wear piece was a fuzzy, intricately detailed varsity jacket featuring Dorothy and her companions. It was whimsical, luxurious, and deeply personal, weaving a classic American story into the fabric of a French luxury house. This jacket wasn't about hype; it was about emotion and artistry. It showed Abloh’s ability to move beyond logos and graphics into complex, narrative-driven design. It’s a piece of wearable art that captures the soulfulness he brought to Louis Vuitton, making it a rare and coveted find on the secondary market.
4. The Soft Trunk Bag
One of Abloh’s greatest talents was his ability to respectfully remix a brand's archives. He took the iconic, rigid Louis Vuitton trunk and reimagined it as the Soft Trunk, a supple, wearable crossbody bag. It kept the classic elements—the boxy shape, the reinforced corners, the S-lock closure—but rendered them in pliable monogram canvas or luxurious leather. It was a brilliant move that honored the house’s heritage in travel while updating it for a modern, hands-free generation. The Soft Trunk became an instant staple, a new classic that felt both timeless and completely of the moment. It perfectly illustrates his '3% approach': taking an existing design and changing it just enough to make it feel entirely new.
5. The 'Heaven on Earth' Cloud Puffer
By Fall/Winter 2020, Abloh’s vision had grown more surreal and dreamlike. The 'Heaven on Earth' collection was set against a blue-sky-and-clouds backdrop, a motif that carried over to the collection’s most memorable piece: the cloud-print puffer jacket. This wasn't just a winter coat; it was an optimistic, escapist fantasy rendered in nylon. The photorealistic cloud print was both peaceful and visually arresting, turning the wearer into a walking piece of the sky. In a world that often felt heavy, this jacket was a symbol of lightness and infinite possibility. It’s one of the most photographed and sought-after outerwear pieces of his tenure, a testament to his ability to create pure, unadulterated fashion joy.
6. The Puppet Marionette Knitwear
For his Fall/Winter 2021 collection, Abloh introduced a cast of whimsical puppet characters that hitched a ride on coats, hoodies, and bags. These weren't just cute additions; they were part of his commentary on observation and the roles we play. The sweaters and hoodies adorned with these colorful, cartoonish marionettes are among the most playful and conceptual items he ever designed for LV. They represented the 'tourist' in his 'tourist vs. purist' philosophy—the outsider looking in with fresh eyes. These pieces are for the collector who appreciates Abloh’s intellectual side as much as his commercial instincts. They are charming, weird, and a conversation starter, embodying the designer's refusal to let luxury become too self-serious.
